Benjamin Allan Nichols
October 16, 1997 - May 2, 2023

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Funeral Service Pauline Missionary Baptist Church Gymnasium 909 N. Hyatt Monticello ,  AR 71655 5/7/2023 at 4:00 p.m. Map & Directions   Rock Springs Cemetery Rock Springs Rd. Wilmar, AR 71675 Map & Directions UAM Ben Nichols Scholarship Fund c/o Union Bank Any Union Bank Location Monticello, AR 71655

Benjamin Allan Nichols, 25, of Monticello, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, May 2, 2023. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 16, 1997, to Gary Allan and Season Nicole Wilkerson Nichols. Ben was proceeded in death by his grandmother, Deborah Brazil Wilkerson and grandfather, Gary Louis Nichols.
Ben is survived by his parents G. Allan and Season Nichols; sister, Rebecca Nichols; brother, Bryan Nichols; grandmother, Glenda Nichols of Monticello, Arkansas; grandfather, Bobby Wilkerson of Monticello, Arkansas; aunt, Jamie Nichols of Little Rock, Arkansas; uncle, Shane (Tina) Wilkerson of Greenville, Mississippi; aunt, Shaye (Matthew) Bradford of Little Rock, Arkansas; and a whole host of cousins as well as friends that he considered family. Special thank you to Zach Jones and Hunter & Gracie Wilkerson whom Ben loved dearly.
Ben showed his love for sports when he started playing football at five years old. He was very proud of the legacy he continued in the Nichols' name. He certainly followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Gary and two great uncles, Mike and Kenny. He played junior high and high school football for the Monticello Billies. He graduated in 2016 as an honor graduate. Ben was a scholar athlete who fulfilled his dream of playing football for the Boll Weevils. He graduated in 2022 from UAM with a BS in Natural Science.
During Ben's journey of treatments, he would often compare his battle with cancer to that of playing football. You had to have strength, endurance, determination, and most importantly, the heart of a champion. The same characteristics he used for his greatest joy; he applied in his fight with cancer. He always said, "I can do hard things and cancer is hard." And he did it!
Ben loved the outdoors. He would end every prayer thanking God for the birds, trees, and all the creatures in the forest. He was an avid hunter and loved sharing stories about his hunting and fishing adventures. Ben loved people, music, sports, and his precious dogs, Bernie Sanders and Bella. He also enjoyed telling dad jokes and tricky riddles. More than anything, Ben love his family (and obviously Hawaiian shirts). His eyes would light up with pure joy anytime he spoke of them. Ben frequently bragged about the accomplishments of his family members with of course an added joke or two.
Ben was christened as an infant at the First United Methodist Church and later baptized at Pauline Baptist Church. He was an active member of Pauline Youth Group. He was strong is his faith and found joy in sharing God's word with others. He always believed the most important part of his journey was to pour into others; boy did he. In his short time here on earth, he made a huge impact in the lives around him. His legacy of kindness will continue in the hearts of everyone he blessed.
To know Ben was to know true and unconditional love. He had a special way of finding the best in everyone and everything. He always made sure to leave others better than he found them. His soul was crafted from a special kind of calm that made you feel at peace anytime you were in his presence. He always met you with the most contagious smile and the most comforting hug.
God created Ben for the distinct purpose of sharing love and laughter. He made the world a better and brighter place because of the light within him that shined so brightly.
No matter his worries, hardships, pain, or suffering, he never complained. His favorite verse from The Bible reads, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me."- Psalms 23:4
"In times of trouble all we have to do is feel God being there with us, no matter the situation, and just breath as my momma taught me."- Ben

Funeral services will be Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Pauline Baptist Church Gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.

Please sign Ben's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com